Top Rankings
Northwestern Area School District 56-7 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 152 students in Northwestern Area School District 56-7. This district's average high testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public high schools in South Dakota.
Public High Schools in Northwestern Area School District 56-7 have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the South Dakota public high school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 63% statewide average).
Public High School in Northwestern Area School District 56-7 have a Graduation Rate of 68%, which is less than the South Dakota average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Northwestern High School - 01, with ≥80% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in South Dakota or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority American Indian and Black), which is less than the South Dakota public high school average of 35% (majority American Indian).
Overview
This School District
This State (SD)
# Schools
6 Schools
218 Schools
# Students
359 Students
47,000 Students
# Teachers
25 Teachers
3,332 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Northwestern Area School District 56-7, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 146 school districts in South Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 50-59% has increased from 50% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#42 out of 148 school districts
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
42%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)50-59%
82%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.13
0.54
% American Indian
1%
19%
% Asian
n/a
1%
% Hispanic
2%
7%
% Black
1%
3%
% White
93%
65%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $11,515 in this school district is less than the state median of $13,121. The school district revenue/student has declined by 10% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $10,000 is less than the state median of $12,623. The school district spending/student has declined by 10% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$4 MM
$1,916 MM
Spending
$4 MM
$1,844 MM
Revenue / Student
$11,515
$13,121
Spending / Student
$10,000
$12,623
Best Northwestern Area School District 56-7 Public High Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northwestern High School - 01
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Gr: 9-12 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #22.
Isucceed - 92
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
221 3rd St
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Mellette, SD 57461
(605) 887-3467
Gr: 9-12 | 64 students Student-teacher ratio: 64:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Recent Articles
What Are Public Schools Doing to Fight Obesity and Is It Working?
Childhood obesity rates continue to climb. While many public schools have implemented policies and programs to combat the problem, there is always more to be done. Keep reading to learn what schools are doing to prevent obesity and how you can help.
Massachusetts: Boston Public Schools Offer Free Lunches
Kids in Boston Public Schools will enjoy free lunches this year, thanks to participation in a federal program that cuts out paperwork required to prove eligibility for the free lunch program.
Michigan Schools: Free Meals for All Students in Some Detroit Schools
Learn about a pilot program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that would offer two free meals and snacks to all Detroit Public School students daily – a controversial decision for some taxpayers.
